The Arms of the City of Winchester
"Gules, five castles in saltire argent, the centre castle supported by two lions passant guardant or"
The earlier existing example of the City Arms is in this stained glass panel in the 15th century window of the Westgate. The arms were recorded by the Heralds during their visitation, first between 1622 and 1634 and secondly in 1686.
The City arms were probably derived from the silver seal of Edward I which showed a crowned bust of himself, a lion of England at the base and on either side a castle with triple towers. It may be that the five castles shown on the City Arms refer to the five city gates of Winchester.
Winchester, the ancient capital of England, continues to use its Arms in the original form and has never sought to add a crest, a motto or supporters.These emblems were not in use for towns at the time when Winchester's Arms originated.
The City arms were probably derived from the silver seal of Edward I which showed a crowned bust of himself, a lion of England at the base and on either side a castle with triple towers. It may be that the five castles shown on the City Arms refer to the five city gates of Winchester.
Winchester, the ancient capital of England, continues to use its Arms in the original form and has never sought to add a crest, a motto or supporters.These emblems were not in use for towns at the time when Winchester's Arms originated.